President Mahinda Rajapaksa says every shanty dweller will be given a decent house to live comfortably by the year 2016.

Addressing a ceremony to mark World Habitat Day held in Colombo, the President said the government did not favor for the differences of one’s party, race or religion when distributing houses among the needy.

Meanwhile Minister Wimal Weerawansa handed over the national housing charter to the president to coincide with the World Habitat Day.

Addressing the official ceremony held at the Sugathadasa Stadium today, the President expressed his views about the allegations on human rights violation against Sri Lanka.

During the ceremony, 500 housing beneficiaries received the deeds for their houses from the President.

In addition, a prize giving for the winners of several contests organized by the ministry to mark the World Habitat Day was held and Colombo District MP R. Dumindha Silva also participated in the prize giving ceremony.